So, quick A/N. I wanted to thank a lot of the reviewers, you reviews make my day and actually give me some good ideas, and a shout out to Clairebear97, whose been reviewing at least once for every single chapter and your latest review gave me some inspiration and ideas for upcoming chapters so thanks! I always look forward to your reviews!

Read on, my lovlies…..

We sat in the waiting room for a while, until the doc finally came out, "Claire Danvers?"

I jumped up almost immediately, "Is she okay?" I asked desperately.

"Yes. She will be just fine. She needed two transfusions and will need a pain prescription, she was beaten badly, her ribs are bruised but as far as we can tell there are no fractures or breaks. We will release her in the morning, but she is to be put on strict bed rest for two weeks, after that, let her go at her own pace. Don't give her too much to eat at once, since she's been starved, her body will reject food so it has to be consumed slowly, not only that, but it seems she has a small but not serious case of that must have come from someone feeding her some rancid meat."

"What does that mean?" I ask.

"It means she won't be feeling well for a while. It shouldn't be too bad. As I said, it's a small case, one that should go away in a few days. You should expect a small fever and some stomach pains, but if you get her home and her condition worsens, contact me immediately."

I nodded, "Can we see her?"

He said we could and told us where to go. When I walked in, Claire was still sleeping. She looked even smaller than usual. She was a little more cleaned up than before. Her hair wasn't matted with blood anymore, her wrists were patched up. She was cleaned of sweat and grime and anymore blood that had covered her body, but the bruising was more prominent now. She was still pale, despite the transfusions. I heard a sniffle behind me, and realized Eve was crying. I took the seat next to Claire, taking her hand, as Michael sat down in the fluffy recliner on the other side of the room, pulling Eve onto his lap to comfort her.

Claire didn't budge or wake up for the rest of the day. As it got later, Eve fell asleep and soon Michael succumbed to sleep as well. I stayed up for probably the fifth night in a row, just watching her breathe. Counting every time her chest rose and being thankful for it each time.

Just when I couldn't take the exhaustion any longer, Claire stirred, moaning.

"Shane?" she whispered.

"I'm here," I said softly, standing to lean over her face, "How do you feel?"

"Not much of anything." She mumbled. They must have her on pain meds.

"That's good." I said.

"Will you stay?"

"I'm not going anywhere." I promised.

Claire quickly fell asleep again and so did I, still gripping her hand.

I woke up when I heard Claire whimper. At first, I thought she was in pain, but she was still asleep, her face twisted into one of fear. Of course. The situation she was in would inevitably give her nightmares. I put my warm hand on her clammy cheek, "Claire," I said softly, "Claire! Wake up."

Claire jumped and looked at me, wide eyed, "You're safe," I assured her, "It's okay."

Her eyes started watering and tears fell out of the corners of her eyes, rolling down into her hair. I wiped them away and gently moved onto the bed to lay along side Claire, wrapping her softly in my arms, not wanting to hurt her. She gripped my shirt in her small fists, "I don't want to go back there, Shane."

I stroked her hair, knowing that calmed her down, "You never have to. You're safe now, try to get some sleep."

When she stopped shaking, she eventually drifted off again and it didn't take long for me to do the same.

The next morning, Claire complained of not feeling well for the first time. I sighed, knowing she was going to be sick for a few days. It was bad enough she was so hurt already. I felt her forehead and she was a bit warm. I still layed next to her, holding her in my arms as I rubbed her stomach, trying to make her feel better. The doctor came in a little while later, giving us Claire's perscription for her painkillers. Michael and I left the room so Eve could help Claire get changed.

"Eve and I can go pick up the perscription after we get Claire home, if you want. I'm sure she won't be feeling up to making that pitstop on the way." Mike suggested.

I nodded, "Thanks, man."

A few minutes later, the door to Claire's room opened and Eve came out, Claire holding her arm for support. I quickly walked over so she could use me as a support and she looked at me gratefully.

"Shotgun!" Eve called. Claire giggled and I smiled.

"Take it." I said.

"Thanks, loser!"

"Hey!" I objected, "I just gave you shotgun, how am I the loser?"

"Because you just gave up shotgun." Eve replied as we got into the car. I got in the back seat with Claire, pulling her against me. She put her head on my chest and closed her eyes.

"Alright pale-face."

"Bite me, Collins!"

"Well, that's not really my style. Getting kinky there, Gothika—" I stopped when Claire groaned.

I touched her cheek, "What's wrong?"

Eve looked back at Claire, her expression going from amused to concerned.

She shook her head, "Just don't feel well." She said.

I kissed her hair, "I know. We're almost home, okay? Then we can lay in bed all day long."

Claire smiled and nodded, seeming to get a little paler. I guessed she was downplaying it and was starting to feel the muscle aches too, "Hey, Mike?" I said quietly, "Hurry up, will ya?"

He looked at me in the rearview mirror and looked worriedly at Claire, nodding as we got pressed back against the seat a little as he sped.

So, it's a boring chapter, I know. But this one is just a filler, I promise, better to come :) Review!

BTW: Didn't have much time to edit, so please forgive any errors.